ACTIVITY: Historical Climate Statistics

ACTIVITY: Historical Climate Statistics

Historical Climate Statistics Objective: The object of this activity is to demonstrate the concept of climate change at a sample locality where the historical temperature records are available.

Materials: Graph paper, Ruler, Pen and pencil

Important Points:

· Scientists have evidence that the global climate has changed in the past and is subject to natural changes even before the idea of enhanced greenhouse gases.

· Global temperature is gradually changing according to the long-term temperature records.

· There are no accurate predictions of what will happen to the Earth’s climate with an increase in greenhouse gases.

· The climate system is very complex.

· Scientists have been using a combination of mathematical models, the geological record of past climates, meteorological records and theories on the global atmospheric and oceanic circulation to provide an estimate for past, current, and future values.

Procedure:

1. Plot on graph paper, time on the x axis and temperature on the y axis.
2. Ensure that you scale appropriately, correctly label the X and Y-axes, and properly title the graph.

Graph Paper:

Questions:

1. The period 1550-1700 in Europe is known as the Little Ice Age. Cite data to support this claim.

1. Observe the graph, what is the overall general trend shown on the whole plot?

1. Can you explain why the temperatures in the plot are so cold?

Mathematical Extension: Blank Area to do Work:

Convert oC to oF (1oC = 33.8oF)

Procedure:

1.Plot on graph paper, time on the x axis and temperature on the y axis.

2.Ensure that you scale appropriately, correctly label the X and Y-axes, and properly title the graph.

Question:

Cite evidence to support the claim that to predict the climate of the future, one must know the climate of the past.